The 2012 Orpheus Awards as photographed by Maria Martin

Grecophiles from near and far received a much-needed emotional lift during the four-day 2012 Los Angeles Greek Film Festival, culminating with the presentation of the Orpheus Awards at the elegant Hancock Park residence of Greek Consul General Elisabeth Fotiadou.

"This year's festival was one of the most successful we've had," stated Greek Consul General Elisabeth Fotiadou about the recently-concluded 6th annual Los Angeles Greek Film Festival.  "I am glad to see more and more people interested in Greek cinema.  The Festival's team did amazing work.  The films they screened were very powerful; commented on the Greek society of the past and present; and depicted parts of Greece's reality in a very sensitive and mature way, sometimes with a bitter sense of humor." 

 

 

 

And some of these filmmakers went on to win an Orpheus Award.  Named for the legendary Greek poet and "father of songs", the Orpheus is awarded annually to honor the best in Greek and Greek-inspired cinema.  Selecting the winners this year were jury members Robert Arentz, founder of the Los Angeles International Short Film Festival; Klara Beverly, owner of the theatrical distribution company ATLANTIS Entertainment CZ; Andrew P. Crane, Special Project Programmer and Membership Manager for the American Cinematheque in Los Angeles; and Marc Halperin, who has managed the release of numerous landmark films.  

 

 

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We wish to express our gratitude to Consul General of Greece, Elisabeth Fotiadou, for her vision, dedication and fervent support.